Skin Cancer Specialists Brockton MA

Find Skin Cancer Specialists in Brockton, MA. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Brockton, MA.

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Skin Cancer Specialists FAQ in Brockton, MA

Can you have skin cancer for years and not know?

For example, certain types of skin cancer can be diagnosed initially just by visual inspection — though a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. But other cancers can form and grow undetected for 10 years or more , as one study found, making diagnosis and treatment that much more difficult.

Which cancers are hardest to detect?

Pancreatic cancer doesn’t garner much treatment success for a number of reasons: It’s hard to detect early. The pancreas is deep within the body so there aren’t signs people can detect easily. The disease spreads quickly to other nearby organs, including liver, intestines, and gall bladder.

How do doctors know if skin cancer has spread?

For people with more-advanced melanomas, doctors may recommend imaging tests to look for signs that the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Imaging tests may include X-rays, CT scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Can you have melanoma for years and not know?

“You could have melanoma for a long time before you realize it, because some types are not so obvious. Some aggressive forms, like nodular melanoma, grow fast, are visible and can hurt or bleed.” While certain groups may be at a higher risk for melanoma, anyone can get the disease.

How urgent is skin cancer?

You’ll have an urgent referral (within 2 weeks) if you have squamous cell skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancers usually do not need an urgent referral, but you should still see a specialist within 18 weeks. The specialist will examine your skin and may do a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer.

Do you feel unwell with skin cancer?

General symptoms hard lump on your skin. unexplained pain. feeling very tired or unwell.

What stage melanoma is terminal?

Stage 4 is the most advanced phase of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. This means the cancer has spread from the lymph nodes to other organs, most often the lungs. Some doctors also refer to stage 4 melanoma as advanced melanoma.

Will skin cancer show up on a blood test?

Can Blood Tests or Scans Detect Skin Cancer? Currently, blood tests and imaging scans like MRI or PET are not used as screening tests for skin cancer.

What skin conditions can be mistaken for skin cancer?

Here are 5 skin conditions that often mimic skin cancer, which include psoriasis, sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrheic keratosis, nevus, and cherry angioma.

Which form of skin cancer is the most life threatening?

The most serious is melanoma. Our skin is made up of cells: basal cells, squamous cells and melanocytes. The different types of skin cancer are named for the skin cell where the cancer develops: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

What happens if you test positive for skin cancer?

The goal of treatment is to remove all of the cancer. For this reason, surgery is often part of the treatment plan. When found early, a type of surgery called excision surgery may be the only treatment you need. A dermatologist can often perform this surgery during an office visit while you remain awake.

Do you feel ill with melanoma?

General symptoms hard or swollen lymph nodes. hard lump on your skin. unexplained pain. feeling very tired or unwell.